Portuguese employees the most ethical in Europe, reveals IBE survey

19 November 2018

Yet more are under pressure to compromise ethical standards than the European average

Portuguese employees are less likely than the average European employee to say that questionable workplace practices are acceptable, according to a survey by the Institute of Business Ethics, which looks at employees’ experiences of ethics at work.

Employees in Portugal are more likely to say that honesty is practised always or frequently in their organisation’s daily operations than the European average (85% vs. 78% respectively).

However, despite this positive finding, a third of Portuguese employees say they have been aware of ethical misconduct, compared to three in ten European employees who say the same (35% vs. 30% respectively). Additionally, a fifth of Portuguese employees (22%) have felt some form of pressure to compromise ethical standards in the past year compared to the European average of 16%.

Institute of Business Ethics wins International Compliance and Ethics Award

22 October 2018

The Institute of Business Ethics (IBE) is being recognised for its work to promote ethical behaviour in business by the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE).

The IBE is honoured to be named a recipient of the International Compliance and Ethics Award, for efforts in furthering the ethics and compliance profession. The awards recognise those who have made a significant contribution to this growing field.

IBE's Director, Philippa Foster Back CBE, will receive the award at the 2018 Compliance and Ethics Institute. Hosted by the SCCE, the event will be held October 21-24, 2018 in Las Vegas.

"Everything we do is informed and shaped by our engagement with our corporate supporters," says Philippa. "Their support, both financial and intellectual, ensures we are able to continue to raise awareness of ethical issues and provide practical solutions. I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the IBE, but also on behalf of all those organisations who work with us to further ethical business practice."

Winners of IBE Student Essay Competition in Business Ethics announced

18 October 2018

The two winning essays of this year’s IBE Student Essay Competition in Business Ethics grapple with the ethical impact of innovation within the legal profession and the complexities of assumptions and privilege when examining stakeholder impact and corporate responsibility initiatives.

IBE response to NCVO consultation

28 September 2018

UK employees less ethical, reveals Institute of Business Ethics’ survey

12 September 2018

UK employees seem to take a more lenient approach than the average European employee to questionable workplace practices.

UK employees seem to take a more lenient approach than the European average to questionable workplace practices, according to a survey by the Institute of Business Ethics, which looks at employees’ experiences of ethics at their place of work.

An important part of the survey is to establish whether employees are able to identify ethical issues relating to everyday choices that they might have to face in the workplace and whether they apply ethical values to their decision-making.

To answer these questions, respondents to this survey were presented with nine common work-related scenarios and were asked whether or not they considered them acceptable.

Pretending to be sick to take a day off; minor fiddling/exaggeration of travel expenses and charging personal entertainment to expenses are considered the most unacceptable practices in the UK, in line with views from employees across Europe. But a higher percentage of UK respondents say these practices are acceptable. One of these issues (making personal phone calls from work) is considered acceptable by more than half of UK respondents (53%) – the first time in the history of the survey that any issues has been reported as acceptable by more than 50% of UK respondents.

Pressure on employees to compromise ethical standards has risen, reveals new IBE survey

05 July 2018

Nearly one in three employees have been aware of misconduct at work, but employees are now more likely to speak up about it than in 2015.

One in six employees in Europe (16%) say that they have felt some form of pressure to compromise their organisation’s ethical standards, according to a survey released today by the Institute of Business Ethics (IBE). The number of employees experiencing this pressure has risen in all of the countries for which historical data is available.

The Ethics at Work: 2018 survey of employees is the only one of its kind covering Europe which provides real insight into employees’ views on ethics across all sectors and job roles.

The Survey, first introduced in 2005, asks employees how they experience ethical dilemmas in their day-to-day working lives. It looks at whether they have witnessed misconduct; whether they have reported it; what stops them. It provides real insight into what supports employees in doing the right thing.

Nearly one in three employees have been aware of legal or ethical misconduct during the past year at work (30%). People treated inappropriately or unethically is the most frequent type of misconduct (46%) mentioned by those aware of misconduct1, followed by misreporting hours worked (35%) and safety violations (30%).

But an encouraging result is that employees are more likely to speak up about misconduct.

Over half (54%) of employees who were aware of misconduct spoke up, which is an improvement on 2015. Employees in the UK were the most likely to have reported misconduct (67%) whilst respondents in Portugal were least likely to have done so (49%).

All charities should develop their own code of ethics, says IBE

21 June 2018

The charity sector has been rocked by major scandals in 2018. Recent events demonstrate that existing for the public good does not absolve charities from tackling the significant and complex ethical issues facing today’s organisations.

The latest IBE Business Ethics Briefing focuses on the impact of scandals on the charity sector and the ethical issues that charities must now address.

It recommends that all charities – large or small, domestic or international – should ensure that, as a starting point, they have their own code of ethics.

IBE statement on launch of Wates Corporate Governance Principles for Large Private Companies

13 June 2018

The IBE is pleased to support the Wates Corporate Governance Principles for Large Private Companies.

Philippa Foster Back CBE, IBE’s Director and a member of the Coalition Group said: "This is the start of a very important process. There are many large unlisted companies and we need to ensure they play a full and positive role in our economy and society. We agree wholeheartedly that an effective board promotes the purpose of a company, and ensures that its values, strategy and culture align with that purpose.”

The Briefing suggests that GDPR should be seen as an opportunity to communicate the importance of the ethical usage of personal data, the attitude towards it, the respect we must award it, and the value that it has.

It is not just a set of specific compliance rules. It highlights the importance of applying ethical values to decision-making, establishing transparent processes and training for employees.

10 April 2018

Behavioural ethics is a field of study that seeks to understand how people behave when confronted with ethical dilemmas.

Drawing on behavioural economics, psychology, and other behavioural sciences, the IBE’s latest Business Ethics Briefing illustrates how companies can use insights from the theory in order to strengthen their ethics programme and help their employees to do the right thing.

IBE's response to FRC consultation on Proposed Revisions to the UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship Codes

05 March 2018

Boards still struggle with understanding the culture of their organisations

28 February 2018

More attention needs to be paid to customer satisfaction and the supply chain when assessing corporate culture, reveals new report by IBE.

A new Board Briefing by the IBE reveals the results of a survey into the information boards currently receive, how they consider it and how they report on culture to the outside world.

In Culture Indicators: understanding corporate behaviour, Peter Montagnon - IBE’s Associate Director and author of the report - analyses the survey data and draws on interviews with directors and those that advise them to provide practical and tangible assistance for boards in how to understand the corporate culture of their organisations.

Institute of Business Ethics part of new government industry group

30 January 2018

The Institute of Business Ethics (IBE) is pleased to support the Coalition Group that will develop new corporate governance principles for large privately-owned companies, to be chaired by James Wates, CBE.

The Coalition Group has been established by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in response to the Green Paper Consultation on Corporate Governance Reform. This is to encourage high standards of corporate governance and reflect the impact that large privately-owned companies have on society and the economy.

Philippa Foster Back, CBE, IBE Director and a member of the Group said: "The IBE is delighted to be part of this initiative and to be working with the FRC again, following our contribution to the Culture Coalition initiative last year. Robust corporate governance is the cornerstone of ethical business practice and we welcome the opportunity to encourage it further into the private sector.”

Which were the most reported ethical concerns and lapses in 2017?

25 January 2018

IBE’s annual analysis of business ethics news stories from last year.

In 2017, the IBE captured 508 stories reporting on ethical lapses and concerns in relation to business. As in previous years, the Finance, Retail and Technology sectors received the most news coverage. Across all sectors, issues on behaviour and culture drew most media attention, with examples of companies promoting company policies and financial targets over ethical behaviour.

Artificial Intelligence developments by business must consider ethical values, says Institute of Business Ethics

11 January 2018

IBE Introduces Ethical Framework for AI in Business

The latest Business Ethics Briefing from the IBE examines the ethical challenges for business in developing artificial intelligence technologies and suggests measures which can be adopted to minimise the risk of ethical lapses due to an improper use of AI technologies. It includes the IBE framework of fundamental values and principles for the use of AI in business.

It is essential that companies know the risks, the impact and side effects that new technologies might have on their business and stakeholders. The IBE’s Briefing aims to promote an open discussion between business decision-makers, employees, customers and the public who need to understand the implications of using AI.

Trust in business to behave ethically recovers (slightly), according to latest IBE survey

12 December 2017

The British public’s opinion of business behaviour appears to be improving, according to the latest survey conducted for the Institute of Business Ethics. But Tax avoidance and executive pay remain the top issues business needs to address

The survey shows that the public’s general opinion about ethical business behaviour has improved. Over half (52%) now say they consider that business behaves ethically, a slight recovery from last year’s dip (48%), but not yet back up to 2015 levels (59%).

Philippa Foster Back CBE, IBE’s Director, said: "Although these results are encouraging, this may be related to the scandals which have affected other institutions in society over the course of 2017. By contrast, business appears more responsible in the eyes of the public. The fact that corporate tax avoidance and executive pay remain the top public concerns is an example where business is still not doing enough to address ethical issues.”

Jane Arnott, co-author of the report and IBE NZ Associate, asked interviewees how they ensure business ethics was reinforced through policies and processes around gritty topics such as whistleblowing and conflicts of interest. But comments such as ‘One person’s network is another’s conflict of interest,’ and ‘Speaking up isn’t really part of New Zealand’s culture’ highlighted that New Zealand companies cannot be complacent about their ethical credentials.

These insights should present a wakeup call that New Zealand business has some way still to go to develop an ethical business culture.

Stanley Kiaer

24 November 2017

It is with a heavy heart at the IBE that we announce that
Stanley Kiaer died peacefully on 22nd November 2017.

Stanley Kiaer took over as Director at short notice in 1986, after the sudden death of Hugh Kay. With experience of business during his career in shipping and the pharmaceutical industry, Stanley ran the IBE during 13 years of intensive development.

Peter Montagnon addresses charity trustees at NCVO as part of Trustee Week

15 November 2017

Organisations need to recognise the courage it takes to raise a concern, says a new Guide from the Institute of Business Ethics

09 November 2017

"We should celebrate these guardians of ethical culture, however uncomfortable it is for management to hear what they have to say,” says Katherine Bradshaw

The freedom to raise concerns without fear of retaliation is a core component of a supportive ethical business culture – one where employees are confident they will be supported to ‘do the right thing’.

In the IBE’s Ethics at Work survey, a fifth of British employees said they had been aware of misconduct during the past year. This level of awareness has been relatively consistent since the survey began in 2005. However, only half of those who witnessed misconduct said they raised their concerns. The most prominent reason they gave for keeping silent is that they fear it would jeopardise their job (30%), while nearly a quarter believed that corrective action would not be taken.

Encouraging a Speak Up Culture is the latest IBE Good Practice Guide. It examines practical ways that organisations can encourage a Speak Up culture by establishing a procedure to give employees the confidence to raise concerns about anything they find unsafe, unethical or unlawful without fear of retaliation. If companies do not support their employees in this way, they risk a concern becoming a crisis.

Drawing on a benchmarking survey of IBE subscriber companies with case studies from organisations like AIB, BT, Diageo, Lancashire Constabulary, the NHS, Rio Tinto, Serco, SSE and Smiths Group, Encouraging a Speak Up Culture shares examples of how successful organisations implement their Speak Up process and investigations, to encourage a Speak Up culture.

IBE response to the Financial Reporting Council consultation on Amendments to Guidance on the Strategic Report

20 October 2017

The IBE is dedicated to the promotion of high standards of business behaviour based on ethical values. We believe that the way companies communicate is essential to the maintenance of high standards both because it facilitates monitoring and because it helps them assess their own performance. We are therefore happy to be able to reply to the FRC's consultation.

Generally we are supportive of the changes proposed, especially the emphasis on the connection between long termism, attention to stakeholder relations and value creation.

We also support the proposed disclosure around Section 172 of the Companies Act and look forward to the government’s regulatory proposals in this respect.

Responsible Financial Reporting: doing the right thing

12 September 2017

IBE today publishes a new Board Briefing looking at the subject of responsible financial reporting.

Responsible financial reporting lies at the heart of responsible capitalism and, in today’s world, it is more than ever up to directors and, in particular, independent non-executive directors to ensure they do the right thing as a board when it comes to making choices about how to present profits and other key financial data.

Yet this is more than just a question of conforming to the rules laid down by standard setters. Most accounting involves judgment and all judgment contains an ethical dimension.

In Responsible Reporting: doing the right thing, Guy Jubb, who has spent several decades looking at company accounts from the perspective of an investor, examines the challenges and pitfalls and presents the elements of responsible financial reporting.

IBE response to UK Government's corporate governance reforms

29 August 2017

Philippa Foster Back CBE, IBE's Director, said: "IBE's surveys show the high level of executive pay is one of the major factors undermining public trust in business. Fundamental reform is needed, and this must come from within the market itself. The government will have done everybody a service if the requirement to publish pay ratios prompts a thorough rethink of how the whole process works.

Meanwhile we welcome the plan to extend more governance discipline to unlisted companies, partly because these are now a very important part of our economy and partly because of the need to ensure the listed sector does not bear all the regulatory burden on its own. The starting point should be a recognition that all company directors, not just those of listed companies, are subject to the legal duty set out in the law whereby boards must take stakeholder and ethical issues into account when making strategic decisions.”

Join us as a Research Assistant

26 August 2017

IBE welcomes Sir Brendan Barber and Douglas Flint to its Advisory Council

27 July 2017

The Institute of Business Ethics is honoured to announce that Sir Brendan Barber and Douglas Flint have agreed to join its Advisory Council.

Sir Brendan Barber said: "If we are to build an economy that genuinely works for everyone it is crucial that businesses commit to the highest possible ethical standards not least in their approach to employment. The IBE makes an important contribution in calling attention to this challenge.”

Douglas Flint said: "I am delighted to be able to contribute to the work of the IBE. It has a unique position within the UK, combining proactive thought leadership on both contemporary and emerging issues with practical guidance and tools which facilitate both understanding and implementation of best practice.”

IBE and TEI (South Africa) publish Ethics and Compliance Handbook

15 May 2017

The Ethics Institute, South Africa (TEI) in partnership with the IBE, have published The Ethics and Compliance Handbook.

This handbook explores the different roles of ethics and compliance practitioners in promoting ethical conduct in organisations, and analyses benefits and drawbacks of the two approaches to understand whether it is more effective for organisations to have two separate functions dealing with ethics and compliance respectively. It is based on desktop research and interviews with senior ethics and compliance practitioners with global responsibilities in a range of industries based in South Africa, the UK and Europe.

IBE welcomes Iain Anderson onto its Advisory Council

06 April 2017

The Institute of Business Ethics is honoured to announce that Iain Anderson, Executive Chairman of Cicero Group, has agreed to join its Advisory Council.

The IBE’s Advisory Council represents the wider audience which the IBE wishes to address. They meet bi-annually to offer support and guidance to the Institute on its work programme and strategy.

Iain Anderson said: "The work of the IBE is more important than ever and I am really honoured to be involved. Boardooms need to step up and embrace diversity and inclusion, modern governance that is fit for an open, transparent world and also communicate what they do far more clearly. In my work, I am looking forward to making a major contribution towards IBE thinking.”

CH2M launch Say No Toolkit to help employees make ethical choices

09 March 2017

IBE subscriber, CH2M, a leader in the professional services industry delivering sustainable solutions benefitting societal, environmental and economic outcomes with the development of infrastructure and industry, has launched the IBE Say No Toolkit to employees worldwide. The Toolkit’s purpose is to guide employees who might face difficult ethical situations in the workplace.

"We wanted a quick and practical tool to help our employees do the right thing” says CH2M’s William Brierly, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer.

Developed in collaboration with the IBE and app developer Apps for Big Business Ltd., the Toolkit is available as both a web tool and an app. It provides ‘in the moment’ practical guidance on how to handle a range of situations, such as potential conflicts of interest, anti-competitive situations, offers of gifts or requests to authorise an unplanned payment.

"Our employees work across all parts of the globe and face different ethical practices and challenges,” says William. "We want to enable them to act with integrity and do the right thing by offering a quick and practical tool to help them. Our Toolkit provides a quick and easy reference tool to help employees deal with some of those tricky questions or situations, and the app version is especially useful for our employees working away from the office or in a remote location because it doesn’t require an internet connection."

New IBE Briefing: Surveys on Business Ethics 2016

27 February 2017

Every year, the IBE publishes a summary of useful surveys which have been published the previous year on a business ethics theme.

The 2016 survey results paint a very mixed picture. Although the global business ethics landscape seems to be moving in a positive direction, the subject of corporate governance has attracted significant attention, with executive pay and bribery and corruption continuing to be top concerns.

17 February 2017

Significant changes to UK corporate governance, including a radical reform of executive pay, are proposed in the response of the Institute of Business Ethics to the current Government Green Paper.

Besides calling for a simplification of executive remuneration through the abolition of complex share rewards and smaller bonuses, the IBE also says company chairmen should be required to make a formal statement each year on how their boards have lived up to the Companies Act requirement to take key stakeholders such as employees, customers and suppliers into account when making decisions.

A radical suggestion is that the government should consider whether the privilege of limited liability should be removed for extreme cases of failure to meet Companies Act obligations. This would make shareholders liable for the company’s debts.

26 January 2017

The IBE’s eighth triennial survey Corporate Ethics Policies and Programmes: 2016 UK and Continental Europe Survey, published today, explores the mechanisms used by larger companies both to embed ethical values within day-to-day business practice and provide guidance to staff, wherever they operate, on how to react when faced with a dilemma.

The survey indicates that although mechanisms for employees to raise their concerns confidentially have become widespread in large organisations, protecting employees who raise their concerns from any form of retaliation remains a challenge. While 97% of companies with a speak up system also have a policy to protect employees from retaliation for doing so, less than half have a formalized approach to monitoring it.

Simon Webley, the IBE’s Research Director, said: "Any member of staff at any level should feel free to raise an issue. Fear of retaliation has a significant impact on whether an employee speaks up about their concerns.”

New guidance for companies to develop effective codes of ethics from the Institute of Business Ethics

08 December 2016

The IBE today publishes new guidance on how to develop and implement an effective code of ethics. It is the third time in its 30 year history that the IBE has addressed this topic, reflecting the ever evolving nature of the challenge facing companies: how do you encourage all staff, all the time, to ‘do the right thing’?

Codes of Business Ethics: a guide to developing and implementing an effective codefollows the IBE 9–Step Model and shares examples of good practice. It addresses many of the questions that arise when the necessity for providing guidance to staff on decisions with an ethical element is taken seriously. It is intended to apply to organisations of any size, regardless of the sector in which they operate and will assist those charged with implementing or updating their organisation’s code of ethics.

IBE’s Director, Philippa Foster Back CBE, said: "If ethical values are a compass to guide our behaviour at work, then a code of ethics is a map which helps us navigate the ethical dilemmas we find in business.

A code of ethics will help to ensure consistent behaviour throughout a business wherever it operates and underlines the organisation’s commitment to ethical leadership to its staff and other stakeholders.”

Simon Webley, IBE’s Research Director the report’s co-author, said: "There are some really effective codes of ethics out there, but too often we find many are dull, out of date, dictatorial and frankly offer no real help at all. A code of ethics needs to be engaging and relevant, or it will not be worth the paper it’s printed on”.

New Survey: What do the British public think of business behaviour?

01 December 2016

The British public’s opinion of business behaviour has fallen dramatically, according to the latest survey conducted for the Institute of Business Ethics.

The survey, published today, shows that the public’s general opinion about ethical business behaviour has fallen for the first time in four years, with only 48% saying they think British business behaves ethically.

Corporate tax avoidance remains the top public concern about business behaviour for 2016.

Listen to Simon Webley and Guendalina Dondé as they discuss the findings.

Governance reforms still do not address fairness in pay, says Institute of Business Ethics

29 November 2016

"The Government has opened up a useful debate on the social impact of companies and on executive pay. We welcome the emphasis on Section 172 of the Companies Act which has not hitherto received the attention it deserves.

The proposals on remuneration still do not in themselves address the problem of fairness. This requires simpler structures with greater transparency and a longer term focus. Shareholders should use any new voting powers to promote a total rethink of best practice.

The Institute’s annual survey of public attitudes to business ethics to be published this week, will show that overall trust has fallen over the last year, while concern about pay went up.”

15 November 2016

On Tuesday 15 November, Peter Montagnon, IBE Associate Director, gave evidence to the BEIS Parliamentary Select Committee on Corporate Governance following the IBE submission to their recent consultation - see this along with the transcript and recording of the evidence session below.

IBE calls for curbs on bonuses as part of wide-ranging executive remuneration and corporate governance reforms

02 November 2016

Chief executives should not be eligible for bonuses or pay increases when their company has a pensions deficit and there is no agreement in place with the Pensions Regulator on how to resolve it

Where Chief Executives receive a bonus above an agreed proportion of salary, the same bonus should be paid pro rata to all employees in the company.

The IBE has called for these reforms in its submission to the Parliamentary BEIS Select Committee’s enquiry into corporate governance. It stressed that the changes should be seen in the context of broad reform of governance designed to simplify remuneration and incentivise executives to take a long term view.

Institute of Business Ethics launches Ethics Month

01 November 2016

The IBE celebrates 30 years of promoting high standards of business behaviour based on ethical values this year.

With the help of IBE corporate subscribers, every day in November we will highlight a different aspect of values-led business practice.

Each day will explore a different ethical value, and what doing business ethically means in practice.

IBE subscribers have been invited to ‘adopt’ a day, making contributions ranging from blog post and videos to podcasts. IBE subscribers include some of the world’s biggest brands, as well as professional bodies and small businesses.

The IBE’s Director, Philippa Foster Back CBE, said: "Business ethics can be seen as academic. Throughout November we will bring alive what it means in reality.”

Institute of Business Ethics celebrates 30th Anniversary with publication which looks at how trust in business can be regained.

27 October 2016

The IBE publishes today a survey showing that companies are perceived by the public as only interested in profits and neglect their broader obligation to deliver value. This is seen as a key reason why business has failed to restore trust.

The financial crisis, corporate scandals and levels of public distrust have lowered the standing of business. It is no longer acceptable to say business is simply about generating profits for shareholders. Business needs to show how it contributes to social well-being wherever it operates.

If business is to regain public trust, the IBE report suggests, a new approach to business leadership is needed which is based on consensus building, the ability to embed values and connect business to society.

To help identify its priorities for the coming period, the IBE sought the views of opinion-leaders from various walks of life, including company chairmen and directors, the media and others involved in the business world, accountants and lawyers as well as its trustees and senior advisers.

IBE’s Director, Philippa Foster Back CBE, said: "In response to the survey, the IBE has set out an ambitious programme for the next few years particularly in reaching out to new audiences, and new entrants to the workplace, drawing on their fresh approach to business and technology to help these with more entrenched views. There is much for us to do.”

New Briefing: Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Ethics Function

20 October 2016

How to support employees in living up to the organisation’s ethical values in their day-to-day business activity remains the key challenge for business. An ethics function holds a vital role in making sure that ethics is part of all business operations and that the core values are embedded and reflected in the organisation’s culture.

A new IBE Briefing provides insight into the governance of the ethics function and gives examples of common practices which organisations have adopted to ensure the effectiveness of the function. It is a distillation of IBE research, experience and our conversations with our network of subscribers.

IBE Appoints Head of Advisory Services

03 October 2016

Rozlyn Spinks, formerly Ethics Manager at Deloitte joins the Institute of Business Ethics as Head of Advisory Services.

Commenting on her appointment, Rozlyn said "I am thrilled to be joining the team at the IBE and excited to build the advisory practice further. The ‘critical friend’ of the IBE has proved invaluable in my own work and I look forward to utilising my experience gained across multiple sectors to contribute to its outstanding practice and reputation.”

Philippa Foster Back CBE, Director of the IBE said: "This is an important time for the IBE. As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, business needs to do more to rebuild trust and secure its place in society. This is not just a question of addressing specific problems but of instilling the right mind-set throughout business organisations. Our practical advice and support is more in demand than ever and Roz’s experience will help us meet this increasing demand for our advice, publications, research and training.”

Business Ethics and Sport Governance: new IBE Briefing

21 September 2016

Sport is increasingly big business that involves billions of dollars and the question of ethics and governance has never been so vital.

A new IBE Briefing looks at the role of sporting governing bodies in embedding the sport's core values, both at national and international level. It also analyses how appropriate governance structures can enable them to protect the integrity of sport.

Companies must engage fully with the society which gives them their licence to operate, but their first task is to work out what their values are so they have something to communicate, new IBE report says

18 July 2016

The report contains a series of case studies detailing how companies such as TalkTalk, Unilever, BAE Systems and L’Oreal have brought ethical values to bear in dealing with stakeholders, as well as an interview with Frances O’Grady, TUC General Secretary.

It is vital for companies to relate properly to the society from which they derive their licence to operate, the report says. A considered approach to engagement with a range of external stakeholders is therefore a core task for boards and management, but there is no point in embarking on such a course unless the company is clear in the first place what its values and purpose are. If this is not the case the message will be confused. External engagement should always be driven by the values.

Philippa Foster Back CBE, IBE’s Director, said: "We are very pleased to have supported the FRC Culture Coalition project. This report raises very important issues about the role of companies and the relationship of business to society. In the current climate of uncertainty, there is more need than ever to get this right.”

New IBE Briefing: Business Ethics and Big Data

07 June 2016

Big Data is one of the biggest topics in current business discussion, bringing with it risks and opportunities.

A new IBE Briefing seeks to bring some clarity to the ethical issues related to Big Data, defining why they are relevant to companies and where the main ethical risks might lie. It also provides a set of questions that can help ethics practitioners liaise with their colleagues and make sure that their organisation lives up to its values when dealing with Big Data.

Philippa Foster Back CBE, IBE’s Director said: "As Big Data becomes more and more influential in everyone’s life, businesses must engage in a broader ethical discussion about how handling Big Data can be consistently aligned with corporate values and behaviour. This will not only encourage public confidence that data is handled in a responsible way, but will help mitigate any potential reputation risks.”

IBE comment on the Interim report of the Investment Association into Executive Remuneration

02 June 2016

The IBE strongly welcomes the initiative of the Investment Association in opening up the discussion on executive remuneration. Our annual surveys of trust in business show that the level and structure of executive remuneration consistently figures among the top concerns of the public.

The Investment Association's report describes the present system as being "widely seen as broken,” while pointing out that the level of executive pay has more than trebled over the past 10 years even though the FTSE is at broadly the same levels and 10% below its peak.

Against this background the IBE considers the debate needs to encompass more radical changes than those discussed in the Investment Association's report. While we agree that transparency, shareholder engagement, accountability and flexibility are all important, we believe that the discussion should give more weight to simplicity.

New IBE Survey of board level sustainability and ethics committees

09 March 2016

Boards increasingly take a systematic approach to ethics and values

A significant number of corporate boards have formed committees to focus on ethics and values as well as corporate responsibility and sustainability, according to a new survey by the Institute of Business Ethics.

The survey found that 55 companies in the FTSE 350 have formed such committees with published terms of reference, and that over half of them were specially charged with advising the board on ethics and values.

The development of sustainability and values committees reflects the proliferation of non-financial risks some of which have previously been monitored by audit and compliance committees. However, the report does not recommend that all companies should form a committee. While the need for more detailed oversight may favour the creation of a committee, there is a risk of the board’s own responsibilities being diluted and of unnecessary overlap with other committees. What remains critical is that boards address the issues of ethics and values in the context of their approach to risk oversight, even when they do not have a committee, the report says.

A new report details potential signs of poor corporate culture

07 March 2016

High levels of corporate stress, flawed remuneration policies, complex legal structures, a tendency for takeovers to proliferate, and lax financial discipline are all potential signs of a poor corporate culture, according to a report issued today by the International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN), ICSA: The Governance Institute, and the Institute of Business Ethics.

The report represents the conclusions of a workshop of senior regulators, company directors and executives and investors convened by the three organisations last December to explore ways of identifying early warning signs of a weak culture.

"We have observed a failure of culture not just in the banks, but in other recent corporate crises, including Tesco, Toshiba and VW. It is in everybody’s interest to understand the warning signs and help companies develop a strong culture which reduces unnecessary risks,” said Peter Montagnon, the report’s author. Mr Montagnon is Associate Director of the IBE and Chair of the ICGN Business Ethics Committee.

New IBE Briefing: Surveys on Business Ethics 2015

25 February 2016

Every year, the IBE publishes a summary of useful surveys which have been published the previous year on a business ethics theme.

Overall, the global business ethics landscape seems to be moving in a positive direction. There seems to be global emphasis on putting formalised structures for ethics in place, rather than relying on an ad hoc approach to such important issues.

This positive direction is also seen in a general increase in the investment in the ethics function and the increasing awareness of elements of an ethics programme such as a code of ethics, speak up (whistleblowing) lines and ethics training.

There also appears to be a growing body of evidence for the business case for business ethics. However, three areas requiring ongoing focus emerge: engaging middle managers, the treatment of whistleblowers and training on how to handle ethical dilemmas.

Fair or Unfair? getting to grips with executive pay

10 February 2016

The IBE today publishes a Board Briefing aimed at helping remuneration committees identify and address challenges in awarding executive pay. Current approaches are too complicated, and the outcomes too uncertain, the report says. The decisions facing remuneration committees are often very difficult. Most try hard to do the right thing, but executive pay needs to work better or be reformed, the Briefing says.

Fair or Unfair? Getting to grips with executive payoffers both practical advice on how remuneration committees can address the challenge and some pointers to possible reform centred around the need to be clear about the value of what is being awarded and the pace at which remuneration is earned.

Peter Montagnon, IBE’s Associate Director and author of the report, said: "Fairness and simplicity are two themes running through this IBE Board Briefing. One of the reasons why executive pay has become so problematic is that it is too complicated and the outcomes often seem quite random. Another is because it enables some executives to earn very large amounts over a short period of time, while others reap only modest rewards. That can easily drive short term decision-making.

The link between remuneration and performance is not clear, so nobody, including sometimes the recipients, can tell what they are really being paid for. A system that operates like that is bound to attract charges of unfairness and trust will ebb away.

The more remuneration committees try to manipulate short term behaviour, the less likely they are to succeed. If their focus is on long term and sustainable growth in cash generation, they will be setting their company and its executives on a course for success.”

Philippa Foster Back CBE, IBE’s Director said: "Reform of executive pay needs to be urgently discussed, and it is good to see this starting to happen, but it will take a long time to implement. In the meantime this Board Briefing offers remuneration committees thoughts on how to make the system work better. The most difficult challenge of all is probably that there are no formulaic answers. All remuneration committees have to make judgements and choices all the time, most of which require a considerable amount of courage. This will be easier for them if they approach their task with a clear set of values, which should also be those espoused by the company they serve; a proper understanding of what they are trying to achieve; and a large measure of independence.”

Concerns and Ethical Lapses from 2015

26 January 2016

Every year the IBE analyses of the business ethics news stories recorded by our media monitoring – which were the sectors and issues most in the news in 2015?

376 stories related to business ethics issues were recorded. Across all industries, most common issue was executive remuneration (36/376 stories).

The Finance sector received the most news coverage, but this has decreased on last year (97 in 2015, 181 in 2014). Retail continues to be the second most covered industry with 62 reported ethical lapses and concerns.

Thirty Years of Business Ethics

04 January 2016

2016 sees the Institute of Business Ethics celebrate its 30th Anniversary

This year the IBE celebrates 30 years of promoting high standards of business behaviour based on ethical values.

IBE’s Director, Philippa Foster Back CBE, said: "The business people who founded the IBE foresaw the ethical implications for business of a globalised world, with technological advances developing at a faster and faster pace. They established the IBE as a hub for discussion, research and practical advice to promote high standards of business behaviour based on ethical values.

Thirty years on and, although the issues may have changed, ethical business practice continues to be a challenge. This is why, in our 30th anniversary year, we will be bringing the discussion of business ethics issues and challenges debate to you in new ways - with events, video, publications and culminating in celebrating ’30 days of Ethics’ in November.”

The IBE launches its 30th year with a monthly series of videos – Pearls of Wisdom – from our Research Director, Simon Webley. Pearls are the traditional gift for a 30th anniversary as they are formed over many years.

Simon said: "When I first began researching and surveying business people about business ethics in the 1970s, issues such as bribery, price collusion, product safety and insider dealing were just beginning to emerge. Businesses then did not talk the language of ethics – values, responsibility, and integrity. Corporate Codes of Ethics were a rarity, if they existed at all.

Fast forward to the 21st century and the business ethics landscape has evolved considerably; indeed guidance to staff in the form of a Codes of Ethics is now commonplace. The challenge today for company leaders is to embed their values and ethics into decision-making and support employees to do the right thing.”

Each month leading up to our 30 Days of Ethics celebration in November, we will be releasing one of Simon’s Pearls of Wisdom. The first video "What is business ethics?” can be viewed below #IBEPearl

Attitudes of the British public to business behaviour: 2015 survey

10 December 2015

Tax avoidance remains the top issue the British public thinks business needs to address.

"Public trust in business is flat-lining,” says Philippa Foster Back CBE

The survey, published today, shows that the public’s general opinion about ethical business behaviour has failed to improve, with nearly 40% still saying they consider British business behaves unethically.

Philippa Foster Back CBE, IBE’s Director, said: "Public trust in business is flat-lining. Business needs to do more to effect a step change in public opinion. While there are some companies doing great work in this field, there are still those that the public perceive are not engaging in ethical business practice. A sizeable minority of businesses have not done enough. These companies are dragging the sector down.”

Institution of Civil Engineers launch Say No Toolkit to help members through ethics challenges

02 December 2015

"We want to enable our members do the right thing, and we wanted to develop something quick and practical" – Nathan Baker, ICE

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has launched a free toolkit to help civil engineers who are facing difficult ethical situations in the work place.

Developed in collaboration with the Institute of Business Ethics, ICE’s Say No Toolkit is available as both a web tool and an App.

The toolkit provides ‘in the moment’ practical guidance on how to handle a range of situations - such as potential conflicts of interest, anti-competitive situations, offers of gifts, or requests to authorise an unplanned payment.

Nathan Baker, ICE’s Director of Engineering Knowledge, said: "ICE’s members work across all parts of the globe and face different ethical practices and challenges. We want to enable our members do the right thing, and we wanted to develop something quick and practical."

Philippa Foster Back, CBE, Director of the Institute of Business Ethics said: "By developing the Say No Toolkit for their members , the Institutionof Civil Engineers is practically supporting in their members to ‘do the right thing’. Knowing that ICE members are committed to working to the highest ethical standards helps the public to put their trust in civil engineers and also increases respect for the profession.”

The HBOS Report is a reminder that corporate whistleblowing is not working

19 November 2015

"The HBOS Report shows that there is significant weakness in company whistleblowing arrangements which leave them vulnerable. Boards need to listen to, act upon, and report back on relevant concerns raised by their employees,” said the Director of the Institute of Business Ethics, Philippa Foster Back CBE.

Corporate whistleblowing arrangements are not working effectively, IBE survey shows

11 November 2015

Roughly half of employees aware of misconduct do not ‘speak up’ about their concerns, evidence from the IBE Ethics at Work survey shows.

"Weak speak up arrangements leave companies vulnerable. If boards do not know what is going on, they cannot protect their businesses against crisis” says Philippa Foster Back, Director of the Institute of Business Ethics (IBE).

The IBE Ethics at Work Survey has helped to discover what employees think about the way corporate values are applied in their workplace in Britain since 2005. It is clear from the results of the latest survey that corporate ethics programmes have matured, and now appear to be embedded in British organisations.

Across continental Europe, in general, employees are less positive about their experiences of ethics in the workplace than they were in 2012, when the IBE first extended the survey to include France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Honesty is said to be practised less frequently and employees say that they are more aware of misconduct. Fewer of those aware of misconduct raised their concerns. Furthermore, awareness of each of the four elements of a formal ethics programme is lower.

James said: "I am delighted to have won the award from the Institute of Business Ethics. I currently work in a specialist role, and I’ve been pursuing a more general career in business ethics and sustainability. This award will give me a real boost in realising the career I desire, and hopefully raise the profile of the work on water poverty in the UK.”

Harrison said "I entered this competition as I wrote the essay genuinely interested in the debate that may be had surrounding strategic CSR. Having finished University now and starting work as a business consultant, it is interesting to keep in mind this debate when looking at different companies. Being invited to the ceremony as a winner provides a great opportunity to discuss with experts in the field and expand my knowledge further."

The winners were each awarded £1,000, thanks to a donation from the Gordon Cook Foundation.

Business Ethics and Human Rights: new IBE Briefing

29 September 2015

The concept of human rights is simple: every human being has a right to be treated with dignity, whatever their religion, language, nationality, place of residence, sex, skin colour or any other status. Yet, the protection and promotion of human rights continue to pose a number of challenges for business.

The latest IBE Briefing builds on the 2012 IBE Briefing, updating the scope of the challenge to business with the more recent developments. It gives an overview of some practical tools and frameworks that organisations can use to minimise the risk of human rights abuses in all their operations, including some recent examples of good practice.

IBE appoints new trustees

16 September 2015

"Expectations of business have risen. Combined with high profile corporate scandals, this means that IBE’s practical advice is needed more than ever,” says Bickham

Four new trustees have been appointed to join the Institute of Business Ethics’ Trustee Board led by Chair Edward Bickham.

The appointments replace recent retirees as well as augmenting the skills and experience of the Trustee board.

•Carolyn Clarke – Head of Audit, Risk & Control, Centrica plc

•Ian Dyson – Assistant Commissioner, City of London Police

•Lucy Williams – Head of Regulatory Compliance, HSBC UK

•John Williams – Vice Chair, Association of Chairs

Edward Bickham said: "2016 will mark the IBE’s 30th anniversary, and over that time much has changed, both for the IBE and for the business ethics landscape. Expectations have risen and businesses are generally more transparent and reflective about ethical issues. This together with a number of high profile corporate scandals means that IBE’s practical advice is needed more than ever. I look forward to working with the new and existing trustees in continuing to raise awareness of and spread best practice in business ethics.”

More information about the IBE board of trustees and governance can be found here

Checking culture: a new role for internal audit

15 July 2015

"The Internal Audit function is increasingly seen by regulators and directors alike as a means of obtaining ethical assurance; but there are big challenges because culture cannot easily be measured,” says Peter Montagnon

A new IBE Board Briefing sets out the role of internal audit in advising boards on whether a company is living up to its ethical values.

The corporate leadership team needs to know whether the culture they have got is actually the one they want. Internal audit can help through its work on assurance. Yet this poses some big challenges for a profession that works by measuring things and where many practitioners believe that culture cannot be measured.

Checking Culture: a new role for internal auditdraws on the experience of those actually involved at senior level in six companies representing a wide range of sectors and sizes. Audit Committee chairs, heads of internal audit and heads of ethics and compliance recount in their own words how they have approached the challenge of checking culture.

Business Ethics Across the Generations

30 June 2015

Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials – what does business ethics mean to them, and how do you engage them with ethical issues in the workplace?

This IBE Briefing identifies the common attitudes to business ethics of the four different generations currently recognised in the global workforce population and discusses what organisations can do to help multigenerational workforces engage with business ethics, citing examples of good practice.

Response to the Modern Slavery and Supply Chain consultation

07 May 2015

The IBE has made its response to Modern Slavery and Supply Chain consultation.

Modern slavery is an issue which is inherently unethical, and is also of significant concern to businesses.

The IBE welcomes this consultation and the proposed ‘Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement’, as an opportunity for companies to improve their disclosure around the steps they have taken to prevent such practices.

Increased disclosure is to be encouraged, and legislative guidance to ensure consistency of approach will also help to facilitate benchmarking amongst between organisations.

We would hope that in turn this would encourage the ‘laggards’ to improve their disclosure to at least be consistent with their peers. In this, openness is vital. The level of disclosure, and the openness shown by a company in its approach to the requirements of the Bill could also be used as a symptomatic indicator of the culture of the company, especially in its supply chain.

Fairness in Contracts: new IBE Briefing

30 April 2015

The latest IBE Briefing considers ethical issues related to staffing arrangements and employment contracts. Specifically, it looks at the potential ethical implications of the ‘casualisation’ of the workplace, including zero hours, agency contracts, part-time workers and transfers under TUPE.

It also provides some examples of good practice which organisations have put in place to ensure consistency in their treatment of all employees.

Whilst many organisations have well established ways in which they are ensuring fairness for full-time, direct employees, there are a growing number of atypical employment contracts, where the same principles are not necessarily being applied.

Ensuring fairness in the workplace is a proven way of building trust and motivating the workforce. Safeguarding this relationship is a key component in helping to build a reputation for conducting business in an ethical manner.

Call for Entries: Student Essay Competition in Business Ethics

19 March 2015

The IBE Student Essay Competition in Business Ethics celebrates the best writing and thinking by undergraduates and postgraduates on business ethics.

The IBE Student Essay Competition seeks to encourage ethical sensitivity and new approaches to corporate responsibility from students who may be the next generation of business leaders.

Students based at a UK University can enter essays or coursework on any business ethics topic for the chance to win £1,000 in two categories – postgraduate and undergraduate. Entries can be made via the IBE website.

Previous winners have tackled topics which have ranged from financial services, marketing, human rights, and executive pay to social media and fashion.

New IBE Briefing: Surveys on Business Ethics 2014

09 March 2015

This Briefing highlights the findings of a number of Global, UK and US surveys on a business ethics theme which were published in 2014

The headline findings reveal that, firstly, globally the levels of trust in business fell in 2014 and, secondly, most companies have taken steps to combat bribery and corruption. However, it appears that whistleblowing is not being given a high priority. In the UK, the number of companies experiencing economic crime has fallen, although the profile of the ‘typical’ fraudster has changed. And in the US, observed misconduct within organisations is at the lowest level ever recorded, and the relationship between the ethics and compliance department and the Board of Directors is strong.

Ethical Concerns and Lapses, 2014

02 February 2015

The latest Briefing from the Institute of Business Ethics analyses the major business ethics concerns and ethical lapses from 2014 which were recorded in the IBE’s ‘media monitoring’. In 2014, 478 stories covering 29 different ethical concerns and lapses were reported in the UK media.

Across all industries, the most common issue was mistreatment of customers. Price fixing and bribery and corruption were reported at similarly high levels, although stories about bribery have fallen from 2012/13 levels.

In 2014, the Finance sector received the most news coverage – this sector accounted for almost 2 in 5 (38%) business ethics news stories. 181 separate stories were identified by the IBE – the equivalent of a new news story every other day.

IBE Appoints Head of Engagement

26 January 2015

Robert Tate, formerly Principal Consultant, Engagement at Business in the Community, joins the Institute of Business Ethics

The Institute of Business Ethics is delighted to announce that Robert Tate is to join our team as Head of Engagement on 1st February 2015.

Commenting on his appointment, Robert Tate said "I am delighted to be joining the IBE team at an exciting time for the organisation as it seeks to grow its subscriber base and raise its visibility and impact. The IBE has a deservedly excellent reputation and I very much look forward to drawing on my 10 years of company-facing experience in the third sector to help the IBE increase its influence.”

Philippa Foster Back CBE, Director of the IBE said: "Business ethics is becoming a central issue on companies’ agendas, and this is an important time for the IBE. Robert’s experience of building and deepening corporate relationships will stand us in good stead as we seek to we meet this demand for our advice, publications, research and training .”

Investing in Integrity Chartermark

14 January 2015

"Trust me” is no longer sufficient; transparent and open approach is required to convince today’s public” says the Lord Mayor

At a breakfast held today, 14 January, for the Investing in Integrity (IiI) Chartermark, the Lord Mayor, Alderman Alan Yarrow, called for businesses to not only improve their culture, but reassure the public that they are trustworthy.

The Lord Mayor said: "One of the direct results of the economic crisis was a loss of trust in the financial services sector. Since then the industry has spent a lot of time and effort trying to restore this and integrity has to be at the heart of that.

"Addressing these negative perceptions is an important step for these firms but it is not the be all and end all. Simply saying "trust us” or "trust me” is no longer sufficient, if indeed it ever was, and a more transparent and open approach is required to convince today’s sceptical public.”

Philippa Foster Back CBE, Director, Institute of Business Ethics said: "Research by the IBE into the public’s attitude to business behaviour shows that the public are beginning to trust companies again, but it is a fragile trust, which needs evidence if it is to last. We are very proud of the investment which IiI companies have made in integrity – it shows a real commitment to ethical business practice.”

08 December 2014

Investing in Integrity (IiI) is pleased to announce that Parsons Brinckerhoff UK, the engineering and design firm, has achieved the Investing in Integrity chartermark as a result of successful completion of the rigorous IiI accreditation process.

Parsons Brinckerhoff underwent an independent assessment, to see if they were living up to their commitment to operate to the highest standards for honesty, respect, integrity and transparency. The process, carried out by Investing in Integrity assessment partner, GoodCorporation, involved site visits, staff interviews, employee surveys and a review of documentation.

Lynne Ceeney, Director of Corporate Sustainability for Parsons Brinckerhoff, said: "As a leading engineering professional services consulting business, it is absolutely critical our operations are founded on integrity and trust and that we demonstrate the highest ethical standards.

"I am absolutely delighted that Parsons Brinckerhoff UK has become the first engineering consulting business to achieve Investing in Integrity. Initiatives such as this are really important at a time when we see a growing societal focus on ethical standards and good corporate governance.”

Philippa Foster Back CBE, Director, Institute of Business Ethics said: "Parsons BrinckerhoffUK worked hard to show they are living up to the corporate values. By achieving IiI, they have demonstrated that they are serious about behaving ethically as a business.”

Employee Wellbeing: alcohol and office parties - new IBE Briefing

04 December 2014

How can you ensure that your office party is in line with ethical values, without ruining the fun?

A new Briefing from the IBE considers some of the ethical issues which can arise in these situations. It looks at employers’ duty of care to employees and company policies on the consumption of alcohol in the workplace, and provides some guidance on how to ensure that festive celebrations are enjoyable occasions.

What do the British Public think of business behaviour? Latest survey from the Institute of Business Ethics

27 November 2014

Tax avoidance and executive pay are still firmly on the agenda as issues the British public thinks business needs to address.

Corporate tax avoidance remains the top public concern about business behaviour for 2014, according to the latest survey of public opinion about business behaviour conducted for the Institute of Business Ethics.

The survey, published today as an infographic, shows that the public’s general opinion about ethical business behaviour remains the same as 2013. Since the survey began in 2003, the British public’s opinion consistently leans more towards judging business as behaving ‘ethically’ than ‘not ethically’.

Executive pay is rising again as an issue which the public think needs addressing; having gone down 4 percentage points in 2013 to 30%, it has now returned to 2012 levels (34%). This issue has been one of the top two issues since the 2008 banking crisis. Tax avoidance has also been one of the top two issues since it was first introduced as a category in the survey in 2012.

Exploitative labour* is an issue to watch, as it continues to be high on the public’s agenda, having risen 3 percentage points this year and 4 points last year. This may be due to public awareness of this issue being raised through the Modern Slavery Bill moving through parliament, and the attendant media comment.

Philippa Foster Back CBE, IBE’s Director, commented on the results: "While business can take some heart in these results that the British public’s opinion of business behaviour is improving, we are not out of the woods yet. Business needs to listen to the public’s concerns about business behaviour and ensure that it addresses them, or they will lose the fragile trust that has been regained. Consideration must be made of the opinion of the younger generations and those of the working classes who are experiencing business behaviour differently to the general public.”

Supreme Group Awarded Investing in Integrity Chartermark

06 November 2014

Investing in Integrity (IiI) is pleased to announce that Supreme Group, a global leader in the provision of end to end supply chain solutions, has achieved the Investing in Integrity chartermark as a result of successful completion of the rigorous IiI accreditation process.

Supreme underwent an independent assessment, to see if they were living up to the Company’s values of Customers, People, Success, Integrity and Sustainability. The process, carried out by Investing in Integrity assessment partner, GoodCorporation, involved site visits, staff interviews, employee surveys and a review of documentation.

Philippa Foster Back CBE, Director, Institute of Business Ethics said: "By achieving IiI, Supreme has demonstrated that they are serious about behaving ethically as a business wherever they operate. The high levels of engagement of their workforce on ethical issues is to be applauded. As the first logistics company to gain the IiI Chartermark, supporting their clients in difficult countries and situations, such as Afghanistan, means that creating a consistent corporate approach can be more challenging.”

Reward employees who uphold company values, as well as ‘making the numbers’, says a new report from the Institute of Business Ethics

04 November 2014

"Establishing an ethical culture is recognised as key to business success yet identifying ways to influence employee behaviour is a challenge. A key tool organisations have is their performance management process,” says Ruth Steinholtz

Performance management has a major influence on how employees perceive the company they work for and on how they behave. And yet IBE’s 2013 Survey exploring corporate ethics policies and programmes found that more than 40% of FTSE 350 companies do not include ethics in employee performance appraisals.

Performance Management for an Ethical Culture considers how organisations develop performance management processes which measure the ‘how’ as well as the ‘what’. Drawing on interviews and surveys with IBE subscriber companies and other organisations, the Guide suggests how to address the challenges that may be faced when integrating company values and ethical behaviour into performance management.. It will be useful to anyone involved in changing the culture of their organisation; from professionals in the human resources and ethics and compliance functions to senior management.

Ruth Steinholtz, co-author of the Good Practice Guide with Nicole Dando, said: "When an organisation measures their employees’ performance in terms of both what they have achieved, and how it has been achieved, it shows a real commitment to creating an ethical culture. Organisations that celebrate integrity in the workplace will find that not only will they retain employees committed to values, but they will attract top talent too.”

Philippa Foster Back CBE, IBE’s Director said: "Scandals involving bribery, such as Siemens and GSK and mis-selling, like PPI, have shown that the ends do not justify the means. A company can make a clear commitment to ethics by rewarding employees who do their business ethically. This Good Practice Guide will help organisations use their performance management process to embed ethical values into business practice and sustain a culture of high ethical standards."

Pension fund trustees come under pressure from a range of different people and interests: the regulator; the sponsoring company; labour unions; investment firms; politicians and lobby groups. The result can be confusion and uncertainty, especially since many of the decisions they face involve choosing between competing interests.

The report looks at these ethical challenges - ranging from fiduciary duty, investment decisions and conflicts of interest to employing consultants. It offers answers that, by applying an ethical approach, aim to cut through the uncertainty and help trustees make the right decisions.

"The primary purpose of the fund is to deliver on its promise to provide pensions to those who rely on it, even into the distant future. Trustees have an over-arching obligation to scheme members to deliver on the pension promise,” says Peter Montagnon, the author and IBE’s Associate Director. "The biggest threat to sound decision-making comes from conflicts of interest where the pressure on trustees is greatest.”

On investment decisions, Peter Montagnon says "Many suggest that pension funds should be promoting corporate responsibility because it is both ethical and in the broader interest of their beneficiaries. While the social benefits that flow from well-behaved corporations will improve their members’ quality of life, and trustees may have strong personal views about how companies should behave, their primary ethical responsibility remains to the beneficiaries.”

Winners announced of IBE Student Essay Competition in Business Ethics 2014

16 October 2014

The two winning essays of the IBE Student Essay Competition in Business Ethics focus on the diverse and topical subjects of the regulation of the banking sector and ‘ban the airbrush’.

The essay competition aims to encourage student interest in business ethics and the integration of discussions on corporate responsibility into the core curricula of business schools.

The Director of the Institute of Business Ethics, Philippa Foster Back CBE, said: "These students have shown the impressive level of debate on these issues taking place in the UK’s Universities and Business Schools.”

Edward Bickham Appointed Chair of Institute of Business Ethics

29 September 2014

The IBE is delighted to announce that Edward Bickham has agreed to become Chair of the Trustees of the Institute of Business Ethics. He succeeds Chris Moorhouse, who has served as IBE Chair since 2006.

Tim Melville-Ross, President of the IBE, welcomed the appointment: "Edward has given excellent support and encouragement to the Institute as a trustee and I am delighted that he has agreed to be Chair. I would like to thank Chris Moorhouse who has led the Institute through many changes to the successful organisation it is today.”

Chris Moorhouse said: "It has been a great privilege to serve as a Trustee and Chair of the IBE, and I want to thank the Subscribers, Advisory Council, the IBE staff and my fellow trustees for their support. Because of this support the IBE has been able to make great progress. I am very pleased the trustees have selected Edward to take over as Chair and I am sure he will lead the IBE to greater success in achieving its charitable purpose.”

Edward Bickham said: "I have worked with the IBE for many years, first as a representative of a subscriber company, and latterly as a trustee. Over that time, we have seen business ethics assume a higher profile and be taken more seriously, both by companies, and by the public. Regrettably, corporate scandals continue to be uncovered and in the process weaken public trust in business. These incidents are the exception but companies should regard a strong ethical culture as the first line of defence against malpractices and in this endeavour the IBE’s practical help and advice is needed more than ever. I look forward to working with the IBE team to help raise awareness of good practices and to help businesses to increase trust amongst investors, customers and the public.”

The Role and Effectiveness of Ethics and Compliance Practitioners

25 September 2014

Is it possible for business behaviour to be changed from within?

How do Ethics and Compliance practitioners work effectively to promote ethical conduct inside their organisations?

A new report by the IBE, The Role & Effectiveness of Ethics & Compliance Practitioners, provides refreshing insights into the purpose and activities of this relatively new role. Based on interviews with practitioners, this IBE report considers the skills required and the scope and capacity of those working in E&C to have strategic influence on ‘business as usual’.

Modern Slavery: new IBE Briefing

15 September 2014

A new IBE briefing looks at modern slavery in the context of business and business ethics. It considers the different terms brought together under the umbrella of ‘modern slavery’; the ways in which it is a challenge for organisations, and what companies are doing to minimise their risks in this area.

It looks at the ethical approach which companies can take, and how, by working in partnership with suppliers, a track record of ethical procurement can encourage investment in a company and improve employee morale.

New Zealand Financial Advisers to receive IBE training

24 July 2014

Financial advisers who undergo business ethics training will be better equipped to make the right decisions in difficult situations.

The Institute of Financial Advisers (IFA), New Zealand's professional body for advice practitioners in financial planning, insurance, investment and estate planning, has signed a MoU with the Institute of Business Ethics for the delivery of business ethics training courses to their membership.

Philippa Foster Back CBE, Director of the IBE, highlighted the abundant evidence that business ethics contributes to reputation,risk mitigation and the bottom line.

"Doing business ethically makes for better business. An ethical business is more sustainable in the long-term: by reducing integrity and reputation risk; attracting top talent; increasing brand loyalty; enhancing shared value. A more trustworthy business is a more secure one.

Financial advisers who undergo business ethics training will be better equipped to make the right decisions in difficult situations. Because they will have acted with integrity, their customers will be confident they have received trustworthy advice.”

Boards need to set and maintain company values, says new IBE report

21 July 2014

"Setting the right values and culture is integral to a company’s success and its ability to generate value over the longer term,” says Peter Montagnon

A new paper, published today by the Institute of Business Ethics, sets out why company directors need to be actively involved in setting and maintaining a company’s ethical values.

One of the lessons of the 2008 banking crisis has been that ethics matters to business, both in terms of its reputation and its sustainability, writes Peter Montagnon in Ethics, Risk & Governance: a board briefing paper. The challenge for business is how to develop and embed real values in order to regain public trust. Companies need public trust if they are to secure their franchise for the long term.

Many boards acknowledge the importance of a healthy corporate culture, both because of the role this plays in mitigating risk and because of the value to their franchise of a sound reputation. Ethics, Risk & Governance: a board briefing paper aims to help directors define their contribution to the maintenance of sound values and culture.

Fairness in the Workplace: Pay

02 July 2014

A new IBE Briefing looks at how fairness can be achieved in the specific areas of executive remuneration and paying a living wage.

It also briefly addresses some additional pay issues, and provides examples of ways in which some companies are addressing the issue of fairness in pay

Whilst there are many ways in which fairness in the workplace can be achieved, one way can be through clear and balanced pay structures which mitigate accusations of ‘excess’ for those at the top, or ‘exploitation’ of those at the bottom. In ensuring fairness, it is also important that all employees feel they are justly rewarded for the work they do.

Business Ethics in Corporate Reporting

29 May 2014

New IBE Briefing: Business Ethics in Corporate Reporting

The growth of Narrative, Sustainability and Integrated reporting has created a space in which business ethics is being reported in external company reports. This Briefing looks at how these three initiatives have facilitated the reporting of business ethics, what organisations are saying about how they conduct their business, and areas in which more information could be reported.

New Report Calls for the Adoption of Global Ethical Standards to International Business

21 May 2014

Trust in business will be increased and poverty reduced, says Simon Webley

A new report from the Institute of Business Ethics suggests that the adoption of agreed Global Ethics standards for international business could generate and sustain trust between those engaged in international trade and investments and help reduce poverty.

Towards Ethical Norms in International Business Transactions, revisits the 1995 Interfaith Declaration: A Code of Ethics for International Business in light of recent international standards and significant global economic changes, and it describes how multinational corporations seek to apply ethical values in their relations with their stakeholders wherever they operate.

IBE welcomes Sir Richard Lambert's Banking Standards Review

19 May 2014

IBE welcomes Sir Richard Lambert’s Banking Standards Review.

The review quotes the IBE:

'In the words of the Institute of Business Ethics:

"Culture is ultimately a matter for individual banks and their boards. The new organisation can support them, but the banks alone can develop and embed the desired culture. The new body should seek to avoid tasks which might appear to shift this responsibility away from them, for example by taking on a disciplinary role or by providing outside accreditation arrangements for training programmes which it does not ultimately control.”'

The Collaboration between the Ethics Function & HR

30 April 2014

The latest Briefing from the IBE looks at the collaboration between HR & Ethics departments.

When embedding ethical values into organisational culture, the roles of a company’s Ethics and HR functions frequently overlap. It is important therefore that they work together effectively. But despite the potential and necessity for areas of collaboration between the Ethics function and HR it is not uncommon for tensions and perceived lack of co-operation to exist between the two departments.

This Briefing looks at the ways in which the two departments can collaborate and uses interviews with IBE subscriber companies to identify best practice.

New role for Dr Nicole Dando at IBE

28 March 2014

Nicole has been a valued member of staff at the IBE for the past 11 years. She has made a major contribution to the quality and standard of IBE’s thought leadership, publications and IBE’s own training programme. From the 1st April she will become an IBE Associate, continuing to input on publications and training but in a consultancy role allowing her time to pursue and expand her career interests.

IBE's Director, Philippa Foster Back CBE, said "Nicole has played an important role in the IBE’s growth in stature since she joined us and we are pleased that she will continue to assist us with publications and training. We wish her every success as she transitions into the next stage of her career.”

Misleading customers: New IBE Briefing

27 March 2014

A new Briefing from the IBE is published today investigating the ethical issue of misleading customers.

This Briefing considers aspects of unethical treatment of customers, their consequences, regulatory responses and the steps some organisations are taking to address this issue.

Companies which take ethics seriously will ensure that their ethical values are reflected in the relationships they have with their customers. However, according to IBE analysis, in 2012-2013 treatment of stakeholders was the second most commonly reported business ethics issue in the British media and customers were the most mistreated stakeholder group, as judged by the number of stories reported.

IBE welcomes Banking Standards Review

12 February 2014

IBE analysis of business ethics media stories shows reporting on the finance sector contributed almost four out of every ten news items (37%).

The IBE monitored over 1,000 news stories to analyse the business ethics issues and the sectors most at risk of integrity lapse.

The IBE Briefing issued today (12th February) shows 26 different business ethics issues were recorded through the course of the IBE’s media monitoring in 2012 and 2013.

Reporting on the finance sector (including insurance companies and payday lenders) contributed almost four out of every ten news items (37%). The most commonly reported issue for this sector was executive remuneration, accounting for 18% of stories. The bonus culture of the city was a prominent source of news in both 2012 and 2013. This was closely followed by fraud/theft (17%), comprised of numerous articles related to the ongoing ramifications of the LIBOR fixing scandal.

The highest proportion of stories on mis-selling (90%) and money laundering (82%) occurred in the finance industry. Additionally, over two-thirds of those related to behaviour/culture (70%) and insider trading (67%); the majority of executive remuneration (60%) and discrimination (54%); and just under half of those addressing corporate governance and openness with information (both 45%), also were in the finance sector.

Philippa Foster Back CBE , IBE’s Director, said: "In the analysis of the business ethics stories in the news, it is clear that the proposals in Sir Richard Lambert’s Consultation Paper on Banking Standards are long overdue. A change of culture is needed in the finance sector inorder for trust to be restored. The IBE will be responding to the Consultation Paper in due course and encourages others to do likewise. The IBE advocates that best practice in today’s environment to help to raise standards is to reward people for ethical as well as profitable behaviour."

New IBE Briefing: Speak Up

29 January 2014

The latest briefing from the IBE reviews current Speak Up practice and regulatory developments in the UK, with brief reference to Europe and the USA.

Effective Speak Up arrangements as part of an ethics programme are an important component of good corporate governance. Malpractice can severely damage company reputation if not dealt with at an early stage, yet may go undetected unless arrangements are in place for concerns to be reported.

Innovative App helps employees combat bribery

21 January 2014

The IBE Say No Toolkit provides employees with immediate assistance.

Bribery, corruption and facilitation payments continues to be the most significant ethical issue for 80% of the FTSE 350 listed companies that responded to the IBE’s 2013 Corporate Ethics Policies & Programmes: UK & Continental Europe Survey. The Bribery Act did much to focus organisations on the need to communicate, train and support employees in this area but the risk of corruption still tops the list of concerns for companies.

In response, the IBE has developed a specialised toolkit to assist organisations in this area. The IBE Say No Toolkit helps employees make the right decision in situations that could involve bribery and corruption.

IBE’s Director, Philippa Foster Back CBE OBE, says "Any one, at any level, in any organisation, can be offered a bribe. The SayNo Toolkit supports staff by giving them clear and easily accessible guidance about what can or cannot be accepted. Not only will the App provide an adequate procedure to combat bribery, it could also help to minimise the risks of corruption taking place.”

Professions for Good and Institute for Business Ethics announce winners of ethics writing competition

13 January 2014

Professions for Good, a collaboration of many of the UK’s largest professional bodies, and the Institute for Business Ethics (IBE) today announce the winners of theJoint Professions for Good and Institute for Business Ethics Writing Awards.

The awards celebrate the best academic and journalist writing on ethics and professional standards in business and public life.

Gavin Hinks, a freelance financial journalist for publications such as Financial Director and Accountancy Age, and Michelle Spiteri Bailey, a PhD student at the University of Leicester, have both been awarded cash prizes for their entries, which were judged to be the strongest in their respective categories.

Gavin Hinks won ‘Best journalist article or blog post’ for his opinion piece published in Financial Director magazine in November 2013 titled ‘Corporate wrongdoing is all connected’ which explores the crucial role that management team dynamics plays in determining whether unethical or criminal behaviour occurs in businesses.

Michelle Spiteri Bailey won ‘Best academic essay’ for her paper on how to put ethics and the ‘public good’ back at the heart of the financial auditing process in light of recent scandals and regulatory reform.

Results of IBE Triennial Survey on Corporate Ethics Programmes

11 December 2013

Increased investment in corporate ethics programmes, but lack of training still a cause for concern
Bribery & Corruption tops the list of issues which companies are most concerned about

Results published of IBE's seventh survey exploring the mechanisms used by large companies to embed ethical values within business practice and provide guidance to staff. The survey is unique in its ability to track changes that have occurred in the UK FTSE350 since 1995 in the way business organisations develop and implement their ethics policy and programmes. Four other European countries, France, Germany, Spain and Italy, have been included since 2010.

One of the most notable findings is the evidence of increased investment into ethics programmes over the last 3 years by corporate management. Seven out of ten respondents said this compared to five out ten in 2010 (68% of UK and 82% of Continental European respondents) .

What is more, 87% of UK respondents state that a member of the board of directors takes ultimate responsibility for the ethics programme. This suggests that the embedding of ethical values is being given a higher priority at this level. However, ethics is only a regular board agenda item for 65% of UK respondents and 70% of other European companies.

Despite the increased investment in ethics programmes, a fifth of companies seem to offer training only once to general employees and managers, and only a third routinely train staff and managers once a year and (24%) of FTSE 350 respondents offer ethics training to the board only once.

Bribery, corruption and facilitation payments continues (as in 2010) to be viewed as the most significant ethical issue for respondent companies - nearly 80% selected it.

Supply Chain and Payment Practices

22 November 2013

A new IBE Briefing looks at the issue of unethical payment practices in the supply chain

The UK Government has declared it is ‘going to war’ on the issue of ‘late payments'. This refers to the situation that occurs when organisations exert power over their smaller suppliers and either pay late, demand unreasonably long payment terms from the outset, or lengthen the terms part-way through the contract.
These actions can have the consequence of leaving SMEs with cash-flow problems but "little room for bargaining through fear they will lose the business”. This is what makes such behaviour an ethical matter.Supply Chain and Payment Practices explores the three issues involving supplier payments. It then looks at governmental attempts to curb the problems and how companies are addressing the issue.

Professions for Good and the IBE launch joint 2013 awards for best writing on ‘professional ethics’

20 October 2013

Awards launched as part of inaugural Professions Week to encourage more young people into professional careers

Professions for Good, a collaboration of many of the UK’s largest professional bodies, and the IBE have today launched the Joint Professions for Good and Institute for Business Ethics 2013 Writing Awards to find the best student, academic and journalist writing in the UK today on ethics and professional standards in business and public life.

Inaugurated in 2012, the awards seek to promote the role that professional ethics play in society.

A prize fund of £1,000 will be split between the winning entrants in the following three categories:

Best journalist article or blog post

Best academic essay

Best student essay (open to those aged between 14-19 only)

Philippa Foster Back OBE, Director of the Institute of Business Ethics said: "The IBE is delighted to partner with Professions for Good in championing the best writing and thinking on the subject of professional ethics and standards in business. The media and academia has an important role to play in scrutinising and supporting ethical business practice. By opening the competition up to 14-19 year olds, the competition will help to encourage the professionals of the future to think about ethical issues.”

IBE Appoints Associate Director

01 July 2013

We are delighted to announce that Peter Montagnon, formerly Senior Investment Adviser at the Financial Reporting Council, joined the IBE in the new role of Associate Director on 17th September 2013.

"I am delighted that Peter Montagnon has agreed to join the IBE team as Associate Director. The main thrust of his role will be to develop and help deliver ethics awareness and engagement activities to board and senior management. Peter’s experience and knowledge will be a great contributor to IBE’s thought leadership and I look forward to working with him,” says Philippa Foster Back OBE, Director of the IBE.

Peter was a Senior Journalist on the FT for twenty years, before becoming Director of Investment Affairs at the Association of British Insurers. In 2010 he joined the Financial Reporting Council as Senior Investment Adviser, with responsibility for addressing corporate governance policy and strengthening the FRC’s understanding of the investor community.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter Montagnon said "One of the important lessons from the financial crisis is that ethics matter. Without public trust, business organisations will struggle to deliver the economic contribution on which we all depend. The IBE has a crucial role to play and I look forward to being part of it.”

This Occasional Paper explores the extent to which, in legislation, frameworks and codes for corporate governance across the EU and within its member states, there are explicit statements or requirements for business to be governed in line with ethical principles or commitments.

Julia Casson, author of the report, said: "We began this report wanting to understand whether there was guidance for companies in governance policies, at national and EU level, on ethical business practice. Although we did find similarities in corporate governance requirements around practice and certain issues, there seems to be a general lack of ethical language in corporate governance provisions. This is in spite of the fact that boards are expected to set the values which will guide their company’s operations.”

Philippa Foster Back OBE, Director of the IBE said: "Attention to ethics is increasingly a core feature of boardroom agendas. Many companies recognise business ethics, sustainability and social responsibility, and also boardroom ethics, as characterising the right way to run a business as well as being essential for long term success. This is in spite of the apparent lack of explicit engagement at EU level with ethical principles in corporate governance guidance, and the limited requirement, or indeed encouragement, that boards operate with high ethical standards.”

Ethical Issues in the Appointment and Use of Agents

12 June 2013

A new IBE Briefing examines good practice around agent selection, remuneration and how best to monitor their conduct so as to avoid integrity risks.

Good practice around agent selection, remuneration and how best to monitor their conduct so as to avoid integrity risks, is set out in this new briefing from the IBE.

For businesses to operate according to their ethical values, it is important that the agents they appoint work to the same or similar standards. Moreover, under the UK Bribery Act 2010, companies can be held liable for actions performed by agents on their behalf. Companies are expected to have in place ‘adequate procedures’ to prevent their agents committing bribery offences.

Tim Melville-Ross appointed President of IBE

28 May 2013

The IBE is delighted to announce that Tim Melville-Ross CBE, Chair of HEFCE, has agreed to become President of the Institute of Business Ethics. He succeeds Sir Robert Worcester, Founder of Ipsos-MORI, who has served as IBE President since 2001.

Chris Moorhouse, Chairman of the IBE, welcomed the appointment: "Tim has given excellent support and encouragement to the Institute as a member of its Advisory Council. I am delighted that his advice will continue to be available to us in his new role. I would like to thank Sir Robert Worcester who has led the Institute through many changes to the successful organisation it is today.”

Tim Melville-Ross said: "I have been involved with the IBE since 1994 and over the years, much has changed. A globalised economy, a diverse workforce, a public more alert to ethical issues has meant that businesses cannot be complacent when it comes to business ethics. Calls for greater trust in business miss the point – trust needs to be earned. A culture change is called for, to educate tomorrow’s workforce so that they consider the ethical dimensions of any business decision. I look forward to working with the IBE team in encouraging greater debate about how trust can be regained.”

Launch of Banknote Ethics Initiative

24 May 2013

The IBE welcomes the launching of the Banknote Ethics Initiative (BnEI). The initiative promotes ethical business practice, with a focus on the prevention of corruption and compliance with anti-trust law within the banknote industry. Members must adhere to a strict Code of Ethical Business Practice.

Each organisation will be expected to perform to a standard developed with the IBE that will be audited against a framework that was developed with GoodCorporation. GoodCorporation and KMPG are auditors of the BnEI Framework.

Philippa Foster Back OBE, IBE’s Director, is Chair of the BnEI’s Accreditation Council.

Tax avoidance as an ethical issue for business

18 April 2013

A new IBE Briefing examines tax avoidance as an ethical issues for business

This Briefing explores corporate taxation and specifically the issue of tax avoidance as a business ethics issue. It looks at public attitudes to avoidance, concepts of fairness and tax as a social responsibility.

Surveys on Business Ethics, 2012

18 April 2013

A new Briefing from the IBE summarises the findings of selected surveys on business ethics issues carried out in the past twelve months

A new Briefing from the IBE summarises the findings of selected surveys on business ethics issues carried out in the past twelve months, including the IBE/Ipsos MORI Survey on Attitudes of the British Public to Business Ethics, the Edelman Trust Barometer and surveys on anti-bribery compliance, social media, fraud and whistleblowing.

Personal and legal risks to Ethics Representatives need to be understood

25 January 2013

Evolving Responsibilities and Liabilities of Ethics Representatives: a practical guide prompts corporate Ethics Representatives and their employers, to consider the extent to which their evolving responsibilities are likely to pose any increase in personal and legal liability.

A new report published by the European Business Ethics Forum prompts corporate Ethics Representatives (ERs), and their employers, to consider the extent to which their evolving responsibilities are likely to pose any increase in personal and legal liability.

It reassures that Ethics Representatives (for example ethics officers, ethics champions, compliance officers, ombudspersons) are unlikely to have specific legal risk attached to them as long as they are diligent in fulfilling their responsibilities, ask the right questions and inform the right people of concerns that arise

To ensure that the often voluntary role remains attractive to employees, the report calls for organisations to fulfill their duty of care to their ethics representatives by helping them to perform their roles effectively and reinforcing the opportunities the role brings. They need to reassure themselves and staff that any personal and legal risks are understood.

09 January 2013

The IBE has launched a joint initiative with the Institute of Recruiters (IOR) to raise ethical awareness and practice within the staffing sector.

The joint IBE and IOR initiative takes the form of an online ethics training and awareness course. All recruiters and HR professionals of all levels are encouraged to access the training and demonstrate their understanding of business ethics and commitment to high professional standards. Those completing the training will be awarded an ‘Ethics Champion’ certificate endorsed by both the IOR and IBE.

Philippa Foster Back OBE, IBE Director, says: "Doing business ethically is now more important than ever before. Those who work in human resources are at the frontline when it comes to dealing with ethical issues – this course will help identify ethical dilemmas and provide the tools to resolve them. Developing ethical acumen is not only an essential personal skill; it is also a vital business skill. Businesses want to work with consultants who not only invest in their professional development, but also take ethics seriously."

Inspectorate UK awarded the Investing in Integrity Charter Mark

08 January 2013

Investing in Integrity (IiI) is proud to announce that the UK Metals and Minerals business of Inspectorate (part of Bureau Veritas Commodities Division) has achieved accreditation under the IiI Charter Mark.

The IiI Charter Mark was founded in 2012 by IBE and CISI, with the intention of providing reassurance that an accredited organisation has regard for ethical matters and that they ‘practice what they preach’. It is available to business units, as well as whole organisations.

Philippa Foster Back OBE, Director, IBE said: "Inspectorate has worked hard to gain Investing in Integrity accreditation. It is especially challenging as they are part of a larger organisation, but they have demonstrated that they understand how doing business ethically enhances a company’s trustworthiness and reputation.”

IBE Research Director Receives Award

31 December 2012

IBE Research Director selected as a runner-up for the 2013 Times/Sternberg
Active Life Award for "working to create high standards of business behaviour
based on ethical values”

The Research Director of the IBE, Simon Webley, has been selected as a runner-up for the 2013 Times/Sternberg Active Life Award for "working to create high standards of business behaviour based on ethical values”.

"It is a great honour to be nominated as runner-up to this distinguished award. What drives me is the conviction that responsible business behaviour wherever it is conducted, is essential for economic prosperity. I benefit greatly from working with a highly competent and happy team and have a wonderfully supportive family”, said Simon.

Simon Webley has been Research Director of the IBE since 1998, having previously been a consultant to the IBE since its foundation in 1986. You can read more about Simon in the full press release.

Majority of workers feel they work for an honest organisation

06 December 2012

IBE Ethics at Work surveys find that majority of employees feel they work for honest organisations

What do employees think about ethical standards in their place of work?
How much support do they get to ‘do the right thing’?
Do different employee groups - employees and managers/supervisors, public and private sector - have different attitudes to ethical practice in the workplace?

In 2012 the IBE surveyed full-time staff and managers in Britain and for the first time, full and part-time employees in France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The research demonstrates that a strong ethical culture has a positive effect on employee attitudes and perceptions of behaviour. The majority of British (84%) and continental European (77%) employees say that honesty is practiced "Always/Frequently" in their organisation’s daily practices. In addition, the majority of British and continental European employees perceive their organisation as having an ‘ethical culture’ in place.

The Ethics of Gifts and Hospitality

27 November 2012

New Briefing considers some of the ethical issues around the giving and accepting of corporate gifts and hospitality and outlines good practice.

The giving and accepting of gifts and hospitality has an important role in facilitating business relationships and practice.
When giving or accepting gifts and hospitality, organisations and their employees need to bear in mind:

Results of Annual Survey into Attitudes of British Public to Business Ethics

15 November 2012

Results of annual survey conducted for the IBE on the attitudes of the British public to business ethics.

The results of an annual survey conducted for the Institute of Business Ethics on the attitudes of the British public to business ethics are published in a new briefing. The survey found:

A substantial decline in the proportion of the public saying that British business generally behaves ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ ethically (from 58% in 2011 to 48% in 2012).

More people think that executive pay needs to be addressed in corporate behaviour than any other issue – a third select it among their top three priority issues (34%).

Philippa Foster Back, Director of the IBE commented: "This year’s results should act as another wake-up call to business that action needs to be taken in order to restore trust with the British public. Executive pay continues to trouble the British public - while the country tightens its belt, extravagant bonuses and rewards for failure tarnish business’s reputation. Scandals such as LIBOR have meant that the ethics of business has yet again become an issue of direct concern to the general public.”

Developing and Using Business Ethics Scenarios

08 November 2012

New IBE research has found that nearly 40% of UK employees do not report receiving any training on standards of ethical conduct.

Yet, training is an essential element of a corporate ethics programme. Businesses that train their staff to understand and implement codes of ethics have also been found over the long term to outperform financially those that do not.

Scenario-based training is a means to sensitise staff to the ethical dilemmas they may face in their day-to-day work and gives them the confidence to deal with those dilemmas in a manner which is consistent with the organisation’s ethical values.

The IBE’s Good Practice Guide: Developing and Using Business Ethics Scenarios offers practical assistance to businesses and other organisations on developing, using and facilitating dilemma scenarios with their employees. It contains over 15 sample scenarios, as well as case studies from companies such as AWE, Best Buy, Raytheon, RWE npower, Serco and Stryker on how they are used.

This Guide will be of value to ethics practitioners and managers looking to enhance the ethical competence and capability of their team, and those with a responsibility for corporate communications, learning and development.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Standards and Frameworks

31 October 2012

New IBE Briefing provides a useful overview of standards and guidelines which have been drawn up to combat bribery and corruption in business, including their implementation requirements.

Bribery and corruption are major obstacles to socio-economic development and distort national and international economic relations. In recognition of this, nation states and international bodies have drawn up regulatory frameworks to help fight corrupt practices.

Businesses increasingly recognise the benefits of a ‘zero tolerance’ position on bribery and corruption. Among other things, it reduces uncertainty for employees when under pressure to pay or accept a bribe and helps to create a more stable business environment with positive reputational effects in the long term. The negative impact of bribery on corporate financial performance and reputation has been well documented.